New Delhi: The Union BJP-led government is reportedly planning to implement the women’s reservation law based on the 2011 Census, in a move aimed at speeding up the rollout.
The “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam”, passed in 2023, provides 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. However, the law is currently linked to the completion of a population census and the subsequent delimitation exercise.
With the next census process expected to conclude only by 2027, questions had been raised over whether the quota could take effect before the 2029 Lok Sabha election. The new plan, according to reports, is to proceed using the 2011 Census as the basis.
Under the proposal, the total number of Lok Sabha seats would rise from 543 to 816, with 33%—about 273 seats—reserved for women. The government is said to be preparing to introduce an amendment bill during the ongoing Budget session, with the revised bill possibly being tabled in the Rajya Sabha next week after Cabinet approval.
The Centre has reportedly held discussions with opposition parties including the Congress. It would need to amend Section 5 of the 2023 law, which ties implementation to a fresh census. As per Article 368(2) of the Constitution, the amendment would require a two-thirds majority in both Houses, making support from allies and opposition parties crucial.
